2212: "We can't find the back of the net and that's a disappointment for us all," summarises Big Sam. But anyway, I can't stay and chat all night. Don't forget to watch the highlights on BBC Two or on the website (UK only) at 2320 GMT. See you soon.

2210: Martin O'Neill adds that he's "getting just a bit annoyed" about his players being accused of diving, citing the examples of Ashley Young a while back and Agbonlahor today.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill: "It was a tough game and it's still undecided. We've got a bit of an advantage. It was a great, great goal by us, and we could have had a couple of penalties too. In the second half, we knew Blackburn would come at us and they caused us a few problems. The game went backwards and forwards at that stage. In essence, considering the state of the pitch, it was a good game."

Gabby Agbonlahor on his first-half penalty shout: "I spoke to the referee at half-time and he thought it was a dive. You've seen it on the camera - and it's a penalty. But maybe next time I'll get one I don't deserve."

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Ewood Park: "Aston Villa's fans celebrate like they have already reached Wembley - and it is hard to see how Martin O'Neill's side can be denied after this victory. Blackburn improved after the break but they are desperately short of quality and Villa will have that Wembley feeling as they travel back to Birmingham."

2156: Well, it's not over. If Blackburn play like they did in the second half, they've got a chance, but you'd still have to fancy Villa.

2152: Martin Olsson wins a corner for Blackburn. Everyone up (except Paul Robinson). Steven Nzonzi has a glorious chance to equalise for Rovers - but heads over the bar. Sam Allardyce can hardly believe his eyes.

2151: Three minutes of added time to be played.

2149: Villa are playing keep-ball by the corner flag with a couple of minutes of normal time remaining. Benni McCarthy's frustrations get the better of him as he wanders over to Stewart Downing and kicks him on the leg. From the free-kick, Paul Robinson does well to keep out Gabby Agbonlahor's header.

2146: James Milner digs out a shot from the 'D', deflected wide for a corner to Villa - which Blackburn make a right song and dance about dealing with. Ryan Nelsen heads it straight at Gabby Agbonlahor but Blackburn eventually tidy up.

2142: Only eight minutes left. This half has flown by.

2139: Brett Emerton trots forward from the halfway line and with no tackle forthcoming, he has a punt. Not bad, but pushed behind by Brad Guzan. Do Rovers deserve an equaliser? I think they might do. Lulling Villa into a false sense of security with that awful first-half display has proved very effective.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Ewood Park: "Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has just been literally jumping up and down in fury as his side concede possession near the Aston Villa penalty area. Quite a sight I can tell you. Allardyce's side have been hugely improved in the second half, but luck has deserted them."

2136: Chris Samba's attempt at a defensive header turns out to be a perfect through-ball for Ashley Young, but the speedy winger shoots horribly wide.

2135: A last throw of the first-leg dice from Big Sam as Benni McCarthy joins Nikola Kalinic up front, and midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen comes off.

2133: Bit of news for you: Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow has told BBC Sport that Rafael Benitez's position as manager is "not on the agenda".

2131: A change for both sides - and an interesting one by Martin O'Neill. Emile Heskey comes off to be replaced by an extra midfielder in Steve Sidwell. For Blackburn, Steven Reid replaces Michel Salgado.

2129: Villa still a huge threat on the counter, and is if to remind us, Stewart Downing whips in a lovely cross from the left but it's Ashley Young waiting three yards out - and the diminutive winger can't leap high enough to nod it in.

2127: David Dunn flicks the ball out to Nikola Kalinic on the left, but as he sprints into the box, he uses an arm to control the return ball from the Croat.

2126: Agony for Rovers as Pascal Chimbonda - now at right-back - makes an overlapping run and cuts the ball back for Nikola Kalinic, who thumps a shot against the bottom of the post from the edge of the box. So unlucky.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Ewood Park: "Blackburn's suffering supporters finally get some encouragement with that Nikola Kalinic header and a shot wide from David Dunn. At last an atmosphere at both ends of Ewood Park. Villa still a serious threat on the break though."

2124: Villa defender James Collins has been caught by Nikola Kalinic's flailing elbow - and Martin O'Neill is FURIOUS. I don't think it was intentional. I can't be sure. Anyway, Collins is up and about, which is good news.

2118: Martin Olsson makes a great run down the left, and his cross is headed back to David Dunn, the midfielder screwing a shot just wide. Rovers looking a lot more lively all of a sudden.

2115: Hello... signs of life from Blackburn as Morten Gamst Pedersen delivers a lovely cross from the left, an unmarked Nikola Kalinic heading against the post from six yards.

2113: Stewart Downing whips in a delicious corner from the right, which bounces across the box - but no Villa player can get the vital touch. Blackburn living dangerously.

2110: Substitute Martin Olsson is at left-back - and he gets done by Ashley Young within minutes of coming onto the pitch. The winger skips to the byeline, but Paul Robinson gets touch on his ball across the box.

2106: Second half under way - and Big Sam has made a change, but it's not one that's going to appease the Blackburn fans I don't think. Martin Olsson replaces Lars Jacobsen.

2104: For the second time this month, I've just got involved in a serious football debate in the office. Really must stop doing that, I just show myself up. It was Liverpool related.

2100: You can watch highlights of this game on BBC Two at 2320 GMT tonight. And on the website (UK only). Just thought you might want to know.

From anon via text: "In Big Sam's defence, we've had to cut the wage bill a lot. The class players have gone: Bentley, Roque, Warnock. Who is truly world class in the side? The reality is that we're just an average side struggling to stay in the league. The good news for us is that you can say that about half of the league."

2053: Want some more from stattery from optjoe? Here you are: Villa have had five shots on target, Blackburn none. If I was Big Sam (and I'd rather not be to be honest), I'd bring on Junior Hoilett. Seem him a couple of times now and always looks lively. He was about the only Blackburn player to emerge from Monday's defeat at Man City with any credit.

2051: More boos greet the half-time whistle. Big Sam's got work to do.

2049: From the corner, Pascal Chimbonda leaps and appears to handle the ball - forcing Paul Robinson into another fabulous save to his right. Mark Clattenberg gives a free-kick to Blackburn. Why? I don't know.

2048: Great save Paul Robinson. Stiliyan Petrov's run into the box goes completely unchecked, and the Blackburn keeper has to make a smart save at his near post.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Ewood Park: "Aston Villa so much more positive and with all the attacking variety. The pace and width provided by James Milner, Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Gabriel Agbonlahor is posing a real threat. Chants of 'Big Sam Sort It Out' from the home fans. Not happy. Not happy at all."

2045: Some people are VERY upset that I said away goals count double after extra time. What I should have said is that if the scores are level after extra time, the team with the most away goals will go through. I'M SORRY.

2043: Richard Dunne makes an excellent tackle on Nikola Kalinic, but the ball comes out to Morten Gamst Pedersen - who balloons an awful cross into the crowd. Loud boos from the home fans.

2040: Gabby Agbonlahor runs across Chris Samba just inside the box and appears to be tripped. Penalty? No, says Mark Clattenburg, a yellow card for diving. Harsh. Replays suggest contact.

From richpayne88 on Twitter: "So far so good for Villa - the kids have just gone 2-0 up v West Brom in the FA Youth Cup."

2034: Any Blackburn fans out there want to leap to Big Sam's defence? It seems to me that the problem with his style of football is that it's fine when you're winning, but once you start losing, fans get disgruntled very, very quickly. Your margin for error is very small.

2029:Knyphemy on Twitter wants to know the away goals situation. If the tie is level after extra time, the team with the most away goals wins.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Ewood Park: "Aston Villa deservedly ahead. The goal has been coming and the sounds of impatience sweeping around Ewood Park from Blackburn's fans in the moments before signalled the worries as Villa took control. Could be a long night for Blackburn's lone striker Nikola Kalinic as he struggles to get the better of Richard Dunne and James Collins. Big Sam might need to change things here."

Villa goal: Stunning counter-attack by the visitors - and it actually starts from one of Brad Guzan's unconvincing punches. From the edge of their own box, Stewart Downing flicks the ball on to James Milner who canters over the halfway line and towards goal before laying off to Downing. Milner then continues his run into the box and is all on his own to slot in Downing's cross. Brilliant.

From Rob via text: "Re disgruntled Blackburn fan (2008): I'd rather watch Allardyce's long ball game than Ince's lost ball game."

2019: Villa threatening now. Chris Samba cuts out Ashley Young's cross, with Gabby Agbonlahor waiting to tap in.

2014: Brad Guzan not looking very comfortable coming for crosses at the moment, already flapped at a couple. Something for Blackburn to exploit perhaps?

2013: Stiliyan Petrov wins the ball in midfield and drives forward. Where's the Blackburn defence gone? He gets to the edge of the area and shapes to shoot but instead threads a clever pass through for Emile Heskey. Not sure the England striker was quite ready for that, the ball just pings off his boot.

From Matt via text: "You think Mark Hughes would come back if we asked politely?"

2008: Ashley Young gets the wolf whistles as he smashes a volley over after a corner is headed out.

From disgruntled Blackburn ender, via text: "Before you all start on about the lack of Rovers support just remember we have spent 12 months watching Allardyce's long ball game and 4-5-1 tactics. This crowd for a cup semi speaks volumes."

2004: David Dunn spins on the edge of the box and shoots inches wide of the post, with Brad Guzan nowhere. Decent start for Rovers.

2002: Well over 5,000 Villa fans have made the trip to Ewood Park - and they're making themselves heard at the moment. Plenty of spaces in the Blackburn sections though.

2001: Aston Villa get the Carling Cup semi-finals under way.

From GrashtabatorBWFC on 606: "Remember Big Sam's Bolton winning 5-2 at the Reebok at this stage against Villa a few years back? Don't worry Rovers' fans!"

1957: Time to ramp up the excitement levels. Here come the players as a huge Blackburn banner ripples its way over the home fans.

1954: You haven't forgotten how to get in touch have you? Could that perhaps explain the trickle of missives? Or was it something I said? It's 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (the world) or 606 or Twitter. Don't leave me hanging. Please...

From Paddy in Germany, via text: "Re 1940: Hmmm! Wish you mentioned that Blackburn scoring stat before I put money on villa to win 0-4!"

1949: Big Sam might not be worried about his job - but the results suggest that perhaps he should be. Blackburn have not won since beating Chelsea on penalties in the quarter-finals - and that was a match the manager missed as he recovered from heart surgery. They are a mere three points off safety in the league.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty at Ewood Park: "Sam Allardyce has swept aside speculation that he is under pressure at Blackburn Rovers by insisting his only focus is reaching Wembley in the Carling Cup. Sparse crowd at the moment - I hope some more join us soon."

1943: TEAM NEWS Blackburn v Aston Villa
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce makes three changes from the 4-1 defeat by Man City on Monday. Nikola Kalinic, Michel Salgado and Pascal Chimbonda come into the side. Aston Villa haven't played since knocking Rovers out of the FA Cup. Martin O'Neill brings back Richard Dunne, James Milner, Stiliyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor but Brad Guzan retains his place in goal, leaving ex-Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel sitting on the bench.

1940: Now listen, naysayers, you may not agree that tonight's game is going to be full of goals, but I've got a golden stat for you (courtesy of the magnificent optajoe on Twitter : Blackburn have scored in 32 consecutive League Cup matches.

1938: TEAMS Blackburn v Aston Villa
Blackburn: Robinson, Jacobsen, Samba, Nelsen, Chimbonda, Salgado, Emerton, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Dunn, Kalinic. Subs: Brown, McCarthy, Reid, Olsson, Hoilett, Di Santo, Jones.
Aston Villa: Guzan, Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Ashley Young, Milner, Petrov, Downing, Heskey, Agbonlahor. Subs: Friedel, Luke Young, Sidwell, Carew, Delph, Reo-Coker, Beye.

1935: Bit of early team news from Ewood Park: Nikola Kalinic is preferred to Franco di Santo up front for Blackburn, with David Dunn playing in behind. Emile Heskey is in the Aston Villa team, with Brad Guzan in goal. More later.

1930: Lordy, what a dramatic day in football: Redknapp charged with tax evasion, Maradona eases some of his tax worries after one of his earrings is flogged,Torres surgery deepens Liverpool crisis, Dunfermline kicked out of the Scottish Cup. All this is a sure sign that tonight's Carling Cup semi-final-first-leg-tie will be an absolute thriller. Isn't it?